And the Dispute Goes On
Steve Dilbeck is on the side of the jockeys in the insurance dispute: “Everyone at least claims to agree jockeys need accident insurance. After that, it’s everyone for themselves. Particularly the jockeys.
“Those would be the ones who put their lives in jeopardy with every mount. Who are guaranteed to be injured several times a year. Phenomenal athletes who risk serious head and neck injuries.
“And without them, there’s no show.
“Track owners should send limos to get them every day. Should bathe them in luxury. Should boast about the lavish insurance they’re provided.
“Instead, they want jockeys to pay for it themselves. Or back a state workers’ compensation program that’s supported by already overburdened horse owners and trainers. Or they want to talk about it some more.
“This is 2004 … and they still want to talk?” (Lexington Herald-Leader)
More: “Jockeys’ boycott at Churchill Downs over insurance costs gives replacements such as Tammy Fox a chance to pursue a passion” (LA Times); “Little guys trampled in insurance dispute” (Star-Telegram); and Kevin Modesti says insurance issue is a test for the whole sport (LA Daily News).
